By Ross Baines – Physiotherapist
The concept of prehab for surgery is now recognized as a major factor in getting the best post operative function.
Research demonstrates that patients who participate in pre-op exercise programs regain their functional capability faster and better than those patients who don’t undertake appropriate exercises before the surgery.
In an article in the Rebalance MD Magazine in 2016, Dr. Lucas Pugh, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at ReBalance says “research has shown the importance of optimizing patients before major surgery to maximize their results after surgery. For instance, the concept of ‘pre-hab’ or prehabilitation involves exercising to increase strength and fitness prior to surgery and eventual rehabilitation. The consensus is that this does improve pain and function.”
Here in Victoria BC, preop clinics are routine for procedures such as hip and knee replacements. At these clinics there is education about the procedure and post op care. It is important to be informed about post op rehab as the most patients get very little physiotherapy in hospital as their stay is less than 48 hours. Prehab clinics teach patients about using crutches, how to do the post op exercises and how function will progress. Practicing these tasks before surgery helps with compliance and function after surgery.
PhysioPlus can support patients to achieve a successful outcome after joint replacement surgery through the following services
- GLA:D – this research based program improves mobility, alignment and muscle control to improve function and reduce pain for patients with hip and knee arthritis. This program is suitable for patients with pain and disability wanting to improve their function prior to joint replacement, or as postop rehab.
- BodyFit – a customized training program designed by our experienced physiotherapists and personal trainer. The BodyFit program is suitable as prehab or rehab. BodyFit is more suited to the patient with higher expectations of function requiring both injury specific and general fitness training. The BodyFit program aims to:
- Review Fitness
- Rehab Injuries
- Restore Ability
- Reach Goals